At this time of the year, many high school seniors are finally graduating. Some may go off to college, and some may not. Some may leave home for a new adventure, and some may choose to remain in their hometown. Either way, there is some advice that every student should hear.

Recent grads, you will hear many speeches in the coming month, almost all of which are (as I remember) very similar. Someone talks about their time in high school mixes in a few jokes and quotes, and a new speech is formed. I must have listened to variations of the same speech at graduation and upon getting accepted to college at least fifty times. I'm here to tell you the highlights, without all the fluff, from someone who's been through all of this before. Trust me, there are some things I wish I had been told when I'd graduated.

First of all, I was always told that you should make all new friends in college, with a clean slate. I was basically told to completely disconnect from anything tying me back to my high school friend relationships.

Sure, this may work for some, but I could never see myself leaving behind the friends I made in high school. We take four years to build connections that are expected to be broken in just a few short months of summer after senior year. And while it may be unhealthy to rely solely on high school friends, I have found that keeping in touch has actually allowed me to stay connected with my hometown in a way that is more comforting than smothering.

Also, don't try to force anything to happen. If the college experience doesn't feel like the right fit for you, do what is best for you personally. Your happiness is the most important thing you have, along with your physical and mental health. College is a good choice for many, but not necessarily for all. I bet you didn't hear that at your graduation.

The one thing they do tell you over and over is that this is when everything changes. That much is true.

For me, when I'm at college, my life in my hometown seems almost like a dream, and vice versa when I'm home. It's amazing how different everything seems when you're not around to see everything that happens while you're gone. But change isn't a bad thing. You need change to grow as a person, and to help life move along. It may seem strange at first, but trust me, you'll get used to it.

So, in conclusion, congratulations to all recent grads. Enjoy your summer, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Don't forget to enjoy the little things, and remember that your life is yours to change.